OPIC finance to address MSMEs challenges

The Board of Directors of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), the U.S. Government’s development finance institution, today approved financing for projects that advance global development by improving critical infrastructure, increasing energy supply, and supporting financing for small businesses.

Alrosa sale remains of $181.8mn

In August, Alrosa Group sold $181.8 million worth of rough and polished diamonds. Rough diamond sales by value amounted to $180.2 million, polished diamond sales – $1.5 million. Alrosa’s total rough and polished diamond sales in January-August 2019 amounted to $2,163.6 million. During the eight months of 2019, rough diamonds were sold for $2,129 million, polished diamonds – for $34.6 million.

Vutomi move ahead to Thorny River operation

Botswana Diamonds (BOD), is pleased to announce its associate Vutomi (BOD interest 40%) has been granted Environmental Authorisation over a substantial portion of the residual diamond-bearing gravels produced from the very high grade Marsfontein mine, which is contiguous to our Thorny River operation.

This essential authorisation is a critical step towards obtaining a Mining Permit, which we expect to receive shortly.  A Mining Permit covers an area of 5 Hectares and has a lifespan of 2-years, which is renewable.

CIBJO releases Marketing & Education Report

With fewer than 10 weeks to go to the opening of the 2019 CIBJO Congress in Manama, Bahrain, on November 18, 2019, the first of the CIBJO commissions' Special Reports has been released. Prepared by the CIBJO Marketing & Education Commission, headed by Jonathan Kendall, the report returns to what has been defined as the next great jewellery-consuming group, Generation Z, providing a breakdown of what the industry needs to consider if it is to ensure that jewellery remains a favoured purchase.

Exceptional luxury the Sextant

For more than a century, Juvenia has been producing refined, innovative and exceptional luxury timepieces in accordance to founder Jacques Didisheim’s motto: Pioneering Innovation, Exquisite Quality & Unique Style. Credited with creating pioneering timepieces, the Sextant is the epitome of the brand’s spirit.

The sextant is originally a nautical instrument that aided our ancestors in conquering uncharted realms. The collection, on the other hand, was first created during the post-war era. Inspired by people’s rising passion with exploring the frontiers and traveling, Juvenia launched the first generation of Sextant.

Italo Fontana Watches at rhythm!

Bad guy, songwriter and lead vocalist of the German band Rammstein and the duo Lindemann, Till wears various U-Boat watches to complete his smart and badass looks. Always passionate by the bold and though-look design of Italo Fontana creations, in perfect harmony with his eclectic personality, everyday and in every occasion he sports on his wrist watches like the Unicum and the U-1001.

So the name of the German rocker joins the massive list of international celebrities from the world of entertainment, cinema and music who are literally in love with the U-Boat creations and proudly show them off every day on their wrist.

Foundation Stone for IIS, Mumbai

In the quest to make India the Skill Capital of the World, Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), laid the foundation stone of Indian Institute of Skills (IIS) at Mumbai to provide skill training in highly specialized areas to students who want to pursue technical education after completing Class X and Class XII, making them employable and industry ready for the New India and the global market.

ICA's 2019 Congress begins today!

Under the Prida Tiasuwan, Chairman-ICA Congress 2019, The International Colored Gemstone Association (ICA), and the ICA members of Thailand are delighted to play host to all our industry friends from across the world at the 19th ICA Congress to begin today, from 12th to 15th October, 2019 at the Shangri-La Hotel, in Bangkok.

CIBJO-IEG seminar at VicenzaOro

With members of the jewellery and gemstone sectors under growing pressure to actively demonstrate that they are conducting their businesses in a sustainable manner, including verifying that the items they purchase, process and sell have been sourced responsibly, a range of technological solutions are currently being developed to help them comply with the due diligence requirements. These came under the spotlight during a seminar on September 9, 2019, at the Vicenzaoro show in Vicenza, Italy, organized by CIBJO and hosted by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG).

Emerald production improves at Kagem

The hard work and dedication of employees at the Kagem emerald mine in Lufwanyama have helped the company meet production targets and resulted in a straight 22 months’ of bonuses being paid to all staff. After a difficult 2017 during which production dropped dramatically, 2018 and 2019 have seen improvement for the mine, which is operated by London-based Gemfields in partnership with the government’s Industrial development Corporation (IDC).